-Shaykh Saleh Al-Uthaimeen (may Allaah have mercy on him)
The scholars are divided into three categories: Scholar of the Millah (Religion), Scholar of the Dawlah (State) and Scholar of the Ummah (Muslim world).
As for the Scholar of the Millah, then he is the one who (truly) propagates the religion of Islaam and gives fatwa (religious verdict) with ‘ilm (knowledge). He does not care if the evidences of the Shari’ah agree with the whims of the people or not.
And as for the Scholar of the Dawlah, then he is the one who looks to that which the Dawlah wants and he gives fatwa according to it. Even if this contains the distortion of the Kitaab (Book) of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger (prayers and peace be upon him).
And as for the Scholar of the Ummah, then he is the one who looks to that which pleases the people. If he sees something he will give fatwa according to that which pleases the people. Thus he distorts the texts of the Kitaab and the Sunnah for the sake of agreeing with the whims of the people.
May Allaah make us from the Scholars of the Millah.
Source: 307/4-308/Explanation of Riyadh Saliheen
